Many commercial buildings and a few residential ones use a type of roofing commonly known as a flat roof. The roof is not really flat; it is just a low slope that gives this impression. The typical flat roof is a simple construct with a lightweight decking covered with layers of roofing felt, asphalt and an aggregate such as gravel. In roofing terms, this is known as BUR (built up roofing). The BUR can fail when the felt tears or the asphalt begins to dry. Flat Roof Replacement in Lawrence KS may be required when the roof gets severely damaged or once it reaches a certain age.Another area where BUR may have problems is around roofing details such as venting, flashing or the placement of appliances.
This happens when the sealant dries out and begins to crack. It may be possible to fix the issue by removing the old sealant and replacing it, provided that no underlying damage to the decking has occurred. One of the benefits to BUR is the ability to repair the roof by placing another layer over it. The depth of this type of roof will depend on the structural support and the quality of the decking. A weakly constructed roof will not be able to handle the weight of thick BUR.
There are several alternatives to BUR to choose from for the next Flat Roof Replacement in Lawrence KS. For example, the use of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) sheets can provide a long term solution for many commercial structures. These polymers are applied so that seams are minimal, and each seam is welded with automated tools. This provides a roof covering that is both durable and reliable.
To ensure the roof doesn’t leak around the details, the roofer will seal each one by hand.An alternative to polymer sheets is EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer), which is a synthetic rubber material. EPDM is a great choice for certain projects. However, the rubber may shrink a bit during temperature changes. If the roof is failing, has developed leaks or is simply getting old, then it is time to consider all options. Talk to the experts at Alpha Roofing for more details.
